Cooler device with platform

ABSTRACT

A cooler device configured to hold and organize a plurality of tailgating equipment and supplies. The device comprises one or more foldable platforms. In a closed configuration, any platforms are configured to lie generally flat against the device. In a deployed configuration, platforms are configured to unfold into one or more table surfaces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/019,553, filed Jul. 1, 2014 entitled DISPOSABLE COOLERAPPARATUS WITH PLATFORM, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF RELATED ART

Described are embodiments for coolers and, more particularly, for coolerdevices configured to facilitate cooking, eating and drinking attailgate parties and barbeques.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Tailgating is a cultural phenomenon in the United States where peoplespend hours in parking lots prior to sporting events, eating anddrinking as a pre-party to a game or event. The current method oftailgating involves bringing grills, coolers, and numerous othertailgating items to the parking lot in a vehicle. However, this methodrequires tailgate participants to spend hours packing, prepping, settingup, and cleaning up tailgate equipment.

Conventional equipment typically is bulky and requires time to pack, setup, and clean. Important supplies at a tailgate party generally comprisea grill, a cooler, spatula, tongs, and a BBQ fork, plates, cups,utensils, napkins, and disposal bags. Tailgaters typically obtain eachof these items separately and then pack them in their vehicles that theydrive to the event. Tailgaters typically arrive several hours before theevent starts. When they reach the parking lot, tailgaters typicallyspend a significant amount of time setting up all tailgating equipment.After the tailgate party is over, all equipment must then be packed upand put back in the vehicle before tailgaters can proceed to enter theevent.

Since all items must be sourced separately, it becomes laborious andtime consuming to prepare for a tailgate. It is common for one or twoitems to be forgotten, such as cups or plates. Time needed to source allequipment necessary to tailgate, pack all equipment in the vehicle, setup the equipment upon arrival to the parking lot of the event, pack upall the equipment after use, and clean the equipment after use makestailgating a very labor-intensive and time consuming activity.Tailgaters could conceivably spend more time sourcing, prepping,packing, assembling, and cleaning tailgate equipment than actuallyenjoying the tailgate party.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device configured to accommodateequipment that users need to have a tailgating or barbecuing experience,and that is easy and convenient.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments, disclosed is a device comprising a containerconfigured to insulate against heat, and at least one foldable platformconnected to the container via a hinged edge. The platform in configuredsuch that in a closed configuration the platform lies flat against thecontainer, and in a deployed configuration, the platform unfolds aboutthe hinged edge to serve as a substantially horizontal table surface.

According to embodiments, the platform is additionally connected to afoldable support via a second hinged edge, the support configured tofold and unfold about the second hinged edge. In the deployedconfiguration, the support is configured to extend between the platformand a ground surface in order to provide support for the platform.

In embodiments, the container comprises an interior space configured toprovide storage and optional organization for tailgating supplies. Inembodiments, the interior space is configured to hold at least one of acooking grill, a removable tray, and a removable grill stand.

In embodiments, the container comprises a closable lid configured toreleasably secure cooking utensils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings,which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and in which likereferences are intended to refer to like or corresponding things.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the device;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view thereof, showing the platform elementpartially unfolded;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view thereof, showing the platform elementfurther unfolded;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view thereof, showing the platform elementfully unfolded;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the interior of an embodiment of thedevice;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the device, withlid open and showing compartmentalized tray and tailgating/barbecuingsupplies;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view thereof, further showing the platformfully deployed;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device, shown withlid open, platform deployed, and compartmentalized tray with tailgatingsupplies;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the device;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view thereof.

FIG. 11 is a detail view of an embodiment of the device, showing a standholder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments by which theinvention may be practiced. The embodiments may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “herein” refers to the specification,claims, and drawings associated with the current application. The phrase“in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to thesame embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in anotherembodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a differentembodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, variousembodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

It is noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claimsand/or paragraphs, terms such as “comprises,” “comprised,” “comprising,”and the like can have the meaning attributed to them in U.S. patent law;that is, they can mean “includes,” “included,” “including,” “including,but not limited to” and the like, and allow for elements not explicitlyrecited. Terms such as “consisting essentially of” and “consistsessentially of” have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. patent law;that is, they allow for elements not explicitly recited, but excludeelements that are found in the prior art or that affect a basic or novelcharacteristic of the invention. These and other embodiments aredisclosed or are apparent from and encompassed by, the followingdescription.

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “one or more,” andsimilar terms indicate one of a feature or element as well as more thanone of a feature. The use of the term “the” to refer to the feature doesnot imply only one of the feature and element.

When an ordinal number (such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on)is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used(unless expressly or clearly specified otherwise) merely to indicate aparticular feature, such as to distinguish that particular feature fromanother feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-11 show embodiments of a coolerdevice. Reference numerals have been assigned to generally refer asfollows:

-   -   10—the device, generally    -   12—container    -   14—platform    -   16—lid    -   18—first hinged edge    -   20—handle    -   22—second hinged edge    -   24—interior    -   26—insulation    -   28—tailgating supplies    -   30—grilling utensils    -   32—tray    -   34—grill    -   36—stand    -   40—leg brace    -   42—support    -   44—stand holder

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a coolerdevice with fold out platform 10 in a closed configuration. The devicecomprises a heat insulated container 12 and at least one platform 14that is foldable such that when the apparatus is in closedconfiguration, the platform 14 generally lies flat against the container12.

The device 10 is configured to transform into a deployed configuration.FIG. 2 shows the device 10 partially deployed. In this figure, theplatform 14 has been partially unfolded. In the embodiment, the platform14 is connected to the container 12 via a first hinged edge 18 and isunfolded about that edge. In the embodiment shown, the platform 14 isintegrally connected to the container 12 such that the hinge element isformed by a simple fold. However, in embodiments, the platform 14 is aseparately manufactured component that attaches to the container 12 viaattachment means. In these embodiments, the hinge element can comprisehardware, or any other means that allows the platform 14 the range ofmotion described herein.

In the embodiment shown, the container 12 comprises a closable lid 16.As the platform 14 is deployed, the lid 16 of the device is revealed.When closed, the lid can aid to insulate the container, and keep debrisfrom entering the container. In embodiments, the device 10 compriseshandles 20. FIG. 2 shows a pair of handles 20 attached to opposite sidesof the container 12, which function to help a user to lift or move thedevice 10. In embodiments, the handles 20 comprise die-cut handle holesor other carrying mechanism.

FIG. 3 shows the platform 14 further deployed. In this figure, theplatform 14 has been unfolded along a second hinged edge 22 to revealsupport 42. Similar to first hinged edge 18, in the embodiment shown,second hinged edge 22 comprises a hinge fold. However, in otherembodiments the hinge element can comprise hardware, or any other meansthat allows the support 42 the range of motion described herein.

FIG. 4 shows the platform 14 fully deployed. In this configuration,support 42 extends between the platform 14 and the ground surface andprovides structural support to the platform. In this way, the platform14 can be used as a shelf or table surface on which to place a grill,cups, plates, or other tailgating supplies. In the embodiment shown,support 42 is shown as a rectangular panel. In other embodiments, thesupport 42 can be a variety of forms or shapes. For example, in anembodiment, the support 42 comprises legs, attached to the platform 14via at least one hinge.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the device 10 with the lid 16 partiallyopen such that the interior 24 of the container 12 is visible. In theembodiment, the lid 16 and interior 24 are shown to have a layer ofinsulating material 26 such as corrugated cardboard coated with waterproofing material, or any other insulating material, which helps tomaintain a constant temperature within the interior 24. The interior 24provides waterproof storage for food, beverages, a grill 34, utensilsand other tailgating supplies 28.

FIG. 5 also shows tailgating supplies 28, such as cups, plates, andrecycling bags stored inside the interior 24. In some embodiments,tailgating supplies 28 can be disposable, and can additionally bereusable, recyclable and/or compostable. In embodiments, grillingutensils 30 are releasably secured to the portion of the lid 16 disposedtoward the interior 24 such that when the lid is closed the utensils arepositioned inside the interior 24. In embodiments, the interior 24comprises compartments or shelving configured to organize tailgatingsupplies 28, food, or beverages.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the device 10 with the lid 16 open. Thisfigure additionally shows a removable tray 32. The tray 32 hascompartments configured to hold tailgating supplies 28 such as plates,utensils, napkins and condiments. The tray 32 dimensions are such thatit fits inside the interior 24 of the container 12. FIG. 6 also shows agrill 34 that fits inside the inner compartment. The container 12 andthe grill 34 are sized in relation to each other so the grill 34 fitssnugly into the interior 24 of the container 12. In embodiments, thegrill 34 is configured to be stored on or attached to a grill stand 36.In other embodiments, the grill 34 can be stored beneath or on top ofother tailgating supplies 28, the stand 36, or the tray 32. Inembodiments, the grill 34 is made of recyclable aluminum material,steel, iron, or any other suitable material. In embodiments, the grill34 contains all natural, biodegradable charcoal.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the device 10 in deployed configuration.In this configuration, the lid 16 is closed and the platform 14 andsupport 42 are fully deployed. The grill 34 is shown positioned on theplatform 14 and the tray 32 is positioned on the closed lid 16, whichacts as an additional table surface.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the device 10 in deployed configuration.In this figure, the grill 32 is shown positioned on top of a stand 36that is configured to fit inside the interior 24 of the container 12.The stand 36 is configured to serve as an additional table surface. Thestand 36 can be removed and used separately from the cooler device, orcan be placed on top of the platform 14 or lid 16 for spaceconservation. In this figure, the stand 36 is shown placed on top of theplatform 14, which raises the grill 34 above the device 10 leaves spacefor the tray 32 to rest on the platform 14 as well. In embodiments, thegrill stand 36 can also be used as a standalone element apart from thedevice 10. In embodiments, the stand 36 is made out of aluminum orsteel, and can optionally be recyclable.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the device with two platforms 14 a, 14 b.Both platforms are foldable such that they can be collapsed onto or intothe container 12 for easy storage. Other embodiments can containplatforms 14 of different sizes, and may contain a plurality of platform14 elements, not limited to two. The platforms 14 provide additionaluseful space on which to place items such as the tray 32, food anddrink, or other items. Also shown in this figure are leg braces 40,which provide structural support to the deployed platform 14 and support42. In the embodiment shown, braces 40 extend from the container 12 tothe support 42 to provide stability. In embodiments, braces 40 can be ofany suitable size, shape or configuration. The size, shape, andplacement shown are meant as examples only, and alternative supportmeans are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.

In embodiments, additional platforms 14 are configured to be attached tothe device 10 such that a user may deploy them by unfolding them. Inembodiments, platforms 14 extend from any side of the container 12. Inembodiments, alternative means to deploy or secure platforms 14 or toopen the device are used. It will be appreciated that the presentinvention comprehends all possible size and shape configurationsreasonably within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the device 10 with two platforms 14 a, 14b. In this view, both the platforms 14 a and 14 b have been deployed,and the lid 16 of the device is open, showing the interior tray 32containing tailgating supplies 28.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the device 10 wherein the platform 14comprises a stand holder 44. The stand holder 44 is shown in theembodiment as cut-out flaps configured to stabilize and preventundesirable movement of the stand 36 when the stand 36 is placed on topof the platform 14. In embodiments, stand holders 44 are not limited tothe semicircular shape shown in the figure; rather, variations in size,shape, and number of cut-outs are intended to fall within the presentscope. Additionally, in embodiments, stand holders 44 are manufacturedseparately from the platform 14 and subsequently attached to theplatform 14 by either permanent or removable means.

In some embodiments, the device 10 is made from recyclable materials,such as corrugated cardboard. Disposable or recyclable embodiments cansave users from the time, labor, and hassle associated with storage andcleaning needs of the device. Additionally, tailgating typicallyinvolves cooking and storing raw food, so the ability to simply discardthe device after use may be an advantage in some instances forconvenience and health reasons. In this way, by using a disposable orrecyclable embodiment of the device 10, a user can avoid leaving a dirtygrill and cooler in his vehicle, avoiding possibly unpleasant odors orhealth concerns.

A possible method of manufacturing the device 10 is a corrugatedmanufacturing process that includes specialized tooling devices designedto manufacture the specific cuts of material desired for the apparatus.Once the cuts are performed, the resulting pieces are assembled to formthe complete apparatus.

In embodiments, the device is manufactured to be shippable as is, wherethe entire kit is shippable “as is” through US mail without having toput exterior shipping material around it, other than shipping tape.There can be enough room in the interior 24 for the user to putbeverages such as cans and bottles as well as food, along with itemsthat come with the kit. In doing so, the user can have all items neededto tailgate, including food and beverage all in the one easy to carry orship device 10. In embodiments, the device 10 can also be shipped withproper insulation, such as a biodegradable insulated box liner.

One exemplary method of use of one embodiment of the device is asfollows. When ready to use the device 10, the user opens the lid 16 or aplatform 14. The interior 24 can also have a lid of its own configuredto insulate and separate the interior 24, which is used to storebeverages. Within the interior 24, the user can find tailgating supplies28, grilling utensils 30, tray 32, grill 34, and grill stand 36. Theuser removes items from the interior 24, and can place them on theshelving/storage units. The user can then put ice, beverages, and foodin the cooler device 10 and still have storage for any items that wereoriginally in the interior 24 on the platforms. The grill stand 36 canbe placed on one platform 14 while the tray 32, tailgating supplies 28,and grilling utensils 30 may all be placed on others. The grill 24 canbe placed on the stand 36 which can also be placed on one of theplatforms 14 to raise the height of the grill 24 to a more reasonablegrilling height for the user. After using the device 10, the user canthen place items in disposable bags. Any recyclable materials such asthe grill 34, grilling utensils 30, tray 32, stand 36, appropriatetailgating supplies 28 and the cooler device 10 may be placed in a bagdesignated for recycling. They may also be further divided into bagsdesignated by the recyclable material such as corrugated cardboard,aluminum, and steel. Compostable and biodegradable materials such asutensils, napkins, cups, and food may be placed in the bag designatedfor compost or biodegradables and then may be discarded in theappropriate means for compostable or biodegradable materials. Thisprocess saves the user time in regards to prepping, packing, setting up,taking down, and cleaning tailgate/barbecue supplies and makestailgating and barbecuing on the go an easier activity in which toparticipate, and may also serve goals of environmental responsibility.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and the preceding description, this is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character. It should be understoodthat only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected. Having thus described the invention withparticular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obviousthat various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention as definedby the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a container configured toinsulate against heat, and at least one foldable platform having a firstedge and an opposite second edge, the first edge connected to thecontainer via a first hinge.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein theplatform is configured such that in a closed configuration, the platformlies flat against the container, and in a deployed configuration, theplatform is unfolded via the first hinge of the first edge to serve as asubstantially horizontal table surface.
 3. The device of claim 2,wherein the second edge is configured to be connected to a foldablesupport via a second hinge, the support configured to fold and unfoldvia the second hinge of the second edge such that, when the device is inthe deployed configuration, the support is able to extend between thesecond edge and a ground surface to provide support for the platform. 4.The device of claim 2, the container further comprising an interiorspace configured to provide storage, the interior space configured tohold a cooking grill.
 5. The device of claim 4, the interior spacefurther configured to receive a removable tray.
 6. The device of claim5, the tray comprising organizational compartments.
 7. The device ofclaim 4, the interior space further configured to receive a removablegrill stand.
 8. The device of claim 1, the container further comprisinga closable lid, the lid being configured to releasably secure cookingutensils.
 9. The device of claim 2, wherein the device entirelycomprises recyclable materials.
 10. The device of claim 2, wherein thedevice comprises a plurality of platforms.
 11. The device of claim 2,further comprises carrying handles.
 12. A device comprising: a containerconfigured to insulate against heat, the container comprising a closablelid, the lid configured to releasably secure cooking utensils, and atleast one foldable platform having a first edge and an opposite secondedge, the first edge connected to the container via a first hinge, theplatform configured such that in a closed configuration, the platformlies flat against the body of the device, and in a deployedconfiguration, the platform is unfolded via the first hinge of the firstedge to serve as a substantially horizontal table surface, the secondedge configured to be connected to a foldable support via a secondhinge, the support configured to fold and unfold via the second hinge ofthe second edge such that, when the device is in the deployedconfiguration, the support is able to extend between the second edge anda ground surface to provide support for the platform.
 13. The device ofclaim 12, the container further comprising an interior space configuredto provide storage, the interior space configured to receive a cookinggrill, a removable tray, and a removable grill stand, the traycomprising organizational compartments.